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Manphung Lake

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Manphung Lake is a major artificial reservoir located near the city of Jongju in North Pyongan Province. It was established in the mid-20th century by damming local river systems to secure a stable water supply for the region's extensive agricultural plains. The lake is characterized by its irregular shoreline and its setting amidst rolling hills, which gives it a remarkably natural appearance. With a substantial water storage capacity, it plays a pivotal role in the province's irrigation network, particularly for the intensive rice cultivation practiced in the surrounding areas. Beyond its economic function, the lake has evolved into an important freshwater habitat for various fish and waterfowl species. Portions of the shore are forested, helping to prevent soil erosion and maintain water clarity. The surrounding area features several recreational facilities and historical sites, making the lake a popular destination for regional excursions. The dam's technical management employs monitoring systems to regulate water levels during the monsoon season, preventing floods in the downstream plains.

Location: North Korea
Nearby: Mount Ryongak (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-3	3	9	16	22	24	24	19	13	4	-3
Rain mm	9	18	23	54	76	98	281	236	97	46	47	17

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to this artificial recreational lake is strictly controlled and typically managed exclusively through official state tourism channels via chartered transportation from Pyongyang.

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Best season

Late spring and early autumn provide the most comfortable outdoor temperatures, while winters are bitterly cold and summers can be hot with occasional heavy monsoon rainfall.

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Terrain & paths

The lake is surrounded by managed recreational areas and gentle hills featuring well-maintained walking paths that are easily accessible for visitors of all normal fitness levels.

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What to bring

Standard, comfortable casual clothing and basic walking shoes are perfectly sufficient. Visitors should bring a camera but must strictly obey all local photography restrictions.

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Parking

Large, paved parking facilities are specifically designated for official tour buses and approved state vehicles. Independent driving and parking by foreign tourists are entirely prohibited.

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Safety

Visitors must closely follow all instructions from their official guides and are not permitted to wander away from the designated supervised recreational zones under any circumstances.

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Time needed

A typical guided visit is usually structured to last anywhere from a couple of hours to half a day, seamlessly integrated into a broader, pre-arranged regional tourist itinerary.

Geography

Coordinates

39.15000, 125.68000

Facts

Manphung Lake is a man-made irrigation reservoir.
It is located in the Jongju area of North Pyongan Province.
The dam was primarily constructed during the 1950s.
The lake serves as a critical water source for regional rice paddies.
It is a well-known site for freshwater carp and other fish.
The lake features an extensive and winding shoreline.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Taesong Reservoir Fishing Area4 km · NEExplore →

Mangyongdae Funfair8 km · EExplore →

Ryugyong Hotel9 km · NEExplore →

Ryongam Cavern10 km · WExplore →

Mount Ryongak10 km · SEExplore →

Arch of Triumph, Pyongyang11 km · NEExplore →

Taedong River11 km · NEExplore →

Arch of Reunification12 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Manphung Lake (1)

Kim Il-Sung Statue🏺 historical

A monumental bronze statue overlooking the shores of the Manphung Lake.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Manphung Lake a natural lake?

No, it is a large reservoir primarily used for irrigating the surrounding fields.

Is fishing allowed in the lake?

Fishing is often only allowed with a permit or at specially designated spots for locals.

Are there boat trips for tourists?

Occasionally, boat trips are offered to explore the vast water surface and the surrounding hilly landscape.

How is the water quality?

The water is clear as it is fed directly from the mountains, but it is mainly used for agriculture.

Are there places to eat on the lakeshore?

There are few official facilities; visitors should bring their own supplies for a picnic.

Manphung Lake: where is it located?

Manphung Lake is located in North Korea.

Manphung Lake: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Manphung Lake: why is it worth visiting?

Manphung Lake is a major artificial reservoir located near the city of Jongju in North Pyongan Province.

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